AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I busy myself clearing tables and bringing plates out to help restore my equilibrium. I’m definitely not as comfortable out here as I am in the kitchen, so I pull out my phone and call Bronwyn, who informs me that she’ll happily come in tomorrow. I’m just wiping some coffee rings off one of the tablecloths when the woman with the child approaches me.
‘Excuse me,’ she says. ‘Were you serious when you asked if anyone wanted a job?’
‘Well, I have a young woman who comes in on Saturdays who can cover in the short term, but I’m not sure whether she’ll want to do more than that. Why?’
‘I’m new to the area, but I worked in hospitality before I moved down here. I’d certainly be interested if you have a vacancy. I don’t have a CV to hand, but I can drop one in later. I’m Penny, by the way.’
I’m not sure what to do. Bronwyn has said she’s happy to give me as many days as I need, and I know she’d do whatever hours I asked of her, but I’m not sure that’s what she actually wants. I suspect she quite likes the variety of working both here and in the art gallery, but it seems rude to think about taking anyone else on without at least talking to her. I have an idea, and I give Penny a smile.
‘Pleased to meet you, Penny. I’m Daisy. How do you feel about doing a trial day? Bring in your CV, but I think we’ll learn much more about you from seeing you in action for a day than we will in an interview. I’ll pay you for the hours you work, even if you decide it’s not for you or we decide you’re not quite right for us. What do you think?’
She considers for a moment. ‘I could come tomorrow if that’s not too soon? I’ll bring my CV and references with me.’
‘Okay,’ I say. ‘Your normal hours would be seven thirty in the morning until three but, as tomorrow’s a trial day, you can start at nine. You’ll be working with Bronwyn. She’s young, but she knows this place and the customers like the back of her hand. If she rates you, then we’ll look at setting up something more permanent. If she doesn’t then, well, I probably don’t need to elaborate on that bit.’
‘Perfect,’ Penny replies. ‘I’ll see you at nine o’clock tomorrow.’
‘One question, if I may?’ I ask, as she gets ready to depart.
‘Yes?’
‘What are you going to do about childcare? I know it’s none of my business, but it’s better to be up front if it’s likely to be an issue, don’t you think?’
Penny laughs. ‘You don’t need to worry about that. Oliver here is my nephew. I’m only looking after him for the day while my sister moves house.’
* * *
I’m still a bit trembly when we close up. I’ve never had to fire anyone before and, while I’m delighted to finally be rid of Rita, doing the deed has definitely taken it out of me. I can’t collapse, though, as my first furniture delivery is due to arrive any minute. I took Mick’s advice, and Katie and I had a happy time in the YMCA furniture store. It’s amazing what people get rid of; we found a very sturdy double wooden bedframe for Katie’s room, a couple of matching sofas that look brand new, as well as a few other bits and pieces. Matt has offered to bring my double bed from home in his van on Sunday, which will be my official ‘moving in’ day. Nan and I measured my bedroom curtains and they will fit in the bedroom in the flat, but I’ve had to order new curtains for Katie’s room and the sitting room. Mick’s friend with the electrical shop has sorted me out with a TV and a dongle that I can plug in to allow me to watch programmes on catch-up using my phone. I’ve probably spent the most money on pots, pans, knives, and chopping boards for the kitchen. As well as making sure I eat healthily, I want to be able to experiment with things we could offer downstairs in the café.
It will be basic in the flat but comfortable, and I can build up slowly from here. I’m looking forward to it. Nan and Grandad are being very supportive, but I’ve seen the occasional tear in Nan’s eye that indicates she’s not finding the prospect of me finally moving out quite as joyful as she’s trying to portray.
Grandad is being typically practical about it and keeps making remarks about how they will have a spare room again at last, even though I can’t think who they would invite to stay in it. After ten years of living with them, some of them far from easy, I feel I ought to do something to say thank you, but inspiration is failing to strike.
The YMCA van arrives, and the two guys make short work of carrying the stuff Katie and I bought up to the flat. There are already a few boxes around the place, and I decide to spend an hour or two unpacking to calm myself down before I drive home. I’m unloading boxes in the kitchen when the doorbell rings.
‘Wow, this is a bit different!’ Matt exclaims, as I let him in. ‘Mind if I look around?’
‘Help yourself. I’d offer you a coffee, but I don’t have any yet.’
I continue unloading the box I’m working on as he wanders from room to room.
‘Is that a power shower?’ he calls from the bathroom.
‘Yup.’
‘Okay, now I’m envious,’ he laughs.
‘I’m going to do your flat too, don’t worry,’ I call to him. ‘You must freeze to death in winter.’
‘It does get a bit chilly, but I just put on an extra jumper. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m happy as I am.’
‘Okay, let me come at it a different way. If you were paying full rent for your flat, would you consider it good value for money?’
‘Well, no, but I’m not paying full rent, am I?’
‘Not quite, but the rent you pay isn’t the full picture. You also have to consider the hit you take in your salary. Add those two together and you’re paying a decent rent. If I were you, I’d be kicking off to the landlord and demanding that she put in a decent shower and double glazing, at least.’
He laughs. ‘Maybe you’re right, but I think you’re missing something.’
